Vipi Radio
Make-up artist Dennis Karuri has criticized religion as the primary factor behind the association of make-up with femininity.
According to Karuri, make-up was historically used by people of all genders before the influence of colonialism and religion.
Karuri has emphasized that the art of make-up should not be restricted to any particular group, asserting that anyone who desires to wear make-up should be able to do so.
He has further suggested that the rules regarding make-up were established by white people, and that Africans had a history of wearing make-up until the arrival of colonialism and religious beliefs.
Make-up is not limited to any specific group of individuals; anyone can wear make-up.
Africans used to wear make-up, but certain perceptions emerged with the influence of colonialism and religion, such as the notion that men should not wear make-up.
These ideologies were introduced by white people and religion.”
Dennis
Karuri’s comments echo those of other makeup artists and historians who have argued that the association of makeup with femininity is a relatively recent development.
In fact, there is evidence that makeup was used by both men and women in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It was only with the rise of Christianity and Islam that makeup began to be seen as a feminine practice.
